Canadiens LW Max Pacioretty exits game against Panthers early

Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty left Sunday's game against the Florida Panthers in the first period and did not return after suffering an apparent head injury.

Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty left Sunday's game against the Florida Panthers in the first period and did not return after suffering an apparent head injury. 

Pacioretty appeared to be injured after smashing his head on the boards following a hit from Florida's Dmitri Kulikov, who was given a minor interference penalty on the play. 

As of Sunday night, Pacioretty leads the NHL in plus/minus with a +38 rating. Pacioretty leads the Canadiens in points with 67. 

The Canadiens earned a 4-1 victory over the Panthers on Sunday despite Pacioretty's early exit. 

• Playoff matchups if season ended today

Montreal has just two games remaining before the playoffs. The Canadiens have clinched a playoff spot, though they have not yet clinched their division and they trail the Rangers by one point for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Max Pacioretty ne reviendra pas au jeu ce soir \ Max Pacioretty will not return tonight. #gohabsgo

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 5, 2015

- Stanley Kay